Projects are practical hands-on work, such as building school classrooms, working with orphaned children, teaching or helping the development of a local initiative. Here is an outline of how the volunteer program works. If, after reading this, you have any questions, please contact us at info@av-network.org

Training and Support

Once you have been accepted for placement, you'll receive advice and support throughout your preparations. You'll receive the AVN welcome pack. Closer to departure you'll need specific information on health, vaccinations, visas, kit, insurance, flights, language etc.

You'll be supported by the  Information officer during your preparations. In addition, we can put you in contact with a returned volunteer who can answer any questions you may have

Program Fees

You are asked to meet a program fee one month before departure. A detailed breakdown for the money you pay goes towards your accommodation, meals and house up-keep while on duty for the period you are volunteering with any particular program. It also includes Administrative costs.

The amount that you'll need for your personal budget, will depend on where you are travelling from and if you want to travel during your placement or afterwards

Flight from and to your placement

You are responsible for arranging your own flight and insurance. We strongly recommend you give yourself some time to travel around during and after the project (see below).

You'll leave for Uganda or Kenya (depending on where you want to volunteer) and will be met off the plane by our local representative. You'll spend the first week learning the skills and and some community dos and don'ts you'll need to live and interact with the local host families.

It is also possible for volunteers to live together (groups range from 2-12 volunteers) and work alongside with the community. You'll be fully supported during your time in the villages by a host staff. Usually conditions are different from the westernized way of life and most villages do not have electricity or running water.

Kenya and Uganda are countries with plenty to explore. We strongly recommend that volunteers arrange with the host organisations at least some days off for travelling. Many volunteers head off on safari to game parks, historical sites which are some of world's most spectacular sites. You'll want a good camera, as the scenery and wildlife are fantastic. You may want to climb Africa's wonderful mountains such as Mt Kenya, Mt Elgon  or the Rwenzoris, or relax on the beautiful beaches of Indian Ocean  or along the shores of Lake Victoria

Volunteers return to their home country after a unique and wonderful experience. We ask all volunteers to give us feedback on our volunteer program in order that we can continually improve it. Many volunteers keep in touch with and get involved supporting new volunteers. You'll have the experience of a lifetime learning a lot about yourself and life in developing countries

Tips on fundraising 

Several volunteers have expressed some interest in looking for extra funds so that they can support their host organisation.

Here are some tips on how to do it:

Your fundraising should approach different sources. Don’t spend too long or invest too much hope on any single area of fundraising, unless you are absolutely certain it will bring returns

• You will need to work hard, plan ahead and involve your friends and contacts with what you are trying to do. Take into account the payment deadlines and the need to put a lot of work in at the beginning and then maintain the effort until leaving for your placement

• Concentrate your efforts on a local or regional basis and talk to people about what you are doing; the contacts will slowly develop

• Don’t waste too much time writing to big companies and trusts as the response rate is very small (unless you have personal contacts or connections)

• Investigate possible grants from local councils, local trusts, local Rotary Clubs, your old school or college etc. Start thinking about organising parties, a sponsored event or garage/car boot sales. May be a friend or relative will undertake a sponsored event for you

  Be aware of overhead costs incurred in running events or making something.

• Involve as wide a range of people as possible (individuals and organisations) and remember that if they think they are getting something out of it as well, whether it is a service, a meal or just good fun, you are likely to get more support  

• Always tell people you are a volunteer and that you are fundraising. You may be surprised that many people will give discounts or waive fees when they hear what you are doing

  • When selling yourself and AVN please take care over how you talk about AVN. The main point is that we work very closely local communities on both short and long-term projects. Point out the differences that exist between other organisations and us

• Be selective about what you send and to whom. They will appreciate it and there will be far less waste  

• If you can exceed your target all extra money raised goes directly to your host program unless you advise us otherwise